David A. Ludovissy
David A. “Ludy” Ludovissy, age 76, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026. Dave exited this world the same way he lived in it—surrounded by love, after a very full life, and likely convinced there was still time for one “final final.”
Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd with a wake service to be held at 2:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Dellaert and Fr. Mark Ressler officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray.
Dave was born on February 19, 1950, to Art and Clara (Hefel) Ludovissy. He attended Wahlert High School and Loras College, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a love of sports that would become more of a lifestyle than a hobby.
On November 23, 1972, Dave married Ann (Kennedy), beginning a 53-year partnership built on love, laughter, loyalty, and Ann’s remarkable patience—especially during busy sports seasons and casino nights.
Dave’s professional life started as a Blue Star Potato Chip delivery driver (a job that clearly prepared him for all future negotiations) and continued at Prudential Life Insurance. In 1985, Dave took a leap of faith and opened his own independent insurance agency. Through integrity, hard work, and genuine care, Dave built lifelong friendships with clients, customers, and company partners alike. He was known for truly supporting the businesses he served, helping grow the agency into what is now Ludovissy and Associates—a reflection of Dave’s reputation and his belief that relationships mattered more than sales.
Dave believed strongly in giving back. He served on the Hospice of Dubuque Board and Foundation and was a faithful member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where he also served on the parish council. Earlier in life, Dave proudly served his country as a member of the Iowa National Guard.
Sports were Dave’s true second career. He loved playing them, watching them, coaching them, and offering enthusiastic (and sometimes unsolicited) commentary. Over the years, he played on numerous slow‑pitch and fast‑pitch softball teams and spent many seasons competing in league basketball. His love of fast‑pitch softball extended well beyond the field, earning him induction into the Dubuque Fast Pitch Hall of Fame, where he later served as president for several years, continuing to support and promote the game he loved.
Dave coached Independent League Baseball, traveling baseball teams for his sons, and freshman basketball at Wahlert. In later years, he became his grandchildren’s biggest fan, rarely missing a dance recital, game, meet, or match. He was known for enthusiastic encouragement and his consistent strategic advice to “play small ball,” whether it applied or not.
Dave loved traveling especially to Las Vegas and attending numerous company trips. Epic family vacations to Adventureland, and Chicago Cubs games (which tested his loyalty and optimism). He loved the casino, good company, and nights that always needed one more round before officially ending.
For the past five years, Dave and Ann cherished time spent in Palm Springs with dear friends from Dubuque and Canada, enjoying sunshine, laughter, and well-earned relaxation.
Dave is survived by Ann, his wife of 53 years; daughter Dawn (Greg) Goeders of Castle Rock, Colorado; sons Jon (Stephanie Burgmeier) Ludovissy and Jeff (Stephanie May) Ludovissy, both of Dubuque; and his beloved grandchildren: Lauren, Claire, Jack, Julia, Jordyn, Taylor, Brady, and Palmer Ludovissy. He is also survived by his sister Wanda (Jeff) Giddings of Sabula, Iowa; brother Ron (Vikki) Ludovissy of Dubuque; sisters-in-law Maureen Kennedy and Kathy (John) Flannery; along with many friends who were treated like family.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Clara Ludovissy, and his parents-in-law, Martin and Marguerite Kennedy.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Eric Engelman, the entire oncology staff at MercyOne, and the compassionate team at Hospice of Dubuque for their exceptional care, kindness, and support. Your dedication and compassion brought comfort not only to Dave, but to his entire family, and will always be remembered with deep appreciation.
Dave will be remembered for his big heart, competitive spirit, quick wit, and unwavering support of the people he loved. Though he may no longer be cheering from the sidelines, coaching from the bench, or calling for just one more, his legacy lives on in the lives—and laughs—of all who knew him.

